The Ateneo of Salò enriches the cultural landscape of Lake Garda with the introduction of two special events, which will take place during the traditional Thursdays dedicated to culture. This initiative aims to promote new collaborations in the area and includes the presentation of two volumes in suggestive settings, highlighting the importance of local culture.
Presentation of the Book on Alessandro Bettoni Cazzago
The first meeting will take place on July 25 in Gargnano, at the former Town Hall in Piazza Feltrinelli 2, at 8:30 PM. On this evening, in collaboration with the local municipal administration, the book written by Riccardo Balzarotti-Kämmlein and Alessandro Bettoni Cazzago will be presented. The work recounts the extraordinary life of Bettoni, a nobleman from Brescia known for being the commander of the “Savoia Cavalleria” during the historic charge at Isbuscenskij in the Russian steppes and a celebrated Olympic champion in show jumping.
The author aims to highlight not only Bettoni’s military exploits but also the multifaceted personality of the man. Born in 1892, he had an exceptional sporting career, participating in over 65 international equestrian competitions in the 1930s and winning numerous prestigious awards, including those at Piazza di Siena in 1929 and 1940. His dedication to horses and military service manifested in a life characterized by honor and courage.
Bettoni’s figure is further exalted by his commitment to the Resistance against Nazism and Fascism after September 8, 1943. He died in Rome in 1951 during an equestrian event at Piazza di Siena.
The Bell Tower of Strasbourg: A Linguistic Journey
The second appointment will take place on August 1, also at 8:30 PM, at the Museum of the Tower of San Martino. Here, the volume “The Bell Tower of Strasbourg” by author Fabrizio Galvagni will be presented. This text represents a synthesis of the research conducted by the author together with his students on how European languages are interconnected by subtle ties that escape common perception.
Galvagni explores the shared semantics among various European languages and local dialects, positioning Strasbourg as a central symbol of European linguistic heritage. The conference will be particularly significant in the current European geopolitical context, where tensions seem to be resurfacing.
During the event, Galvagni will engage in dialogue with Professor Valotti, the academic secretary of the Ateneo, and Professor Annalisa Lazzaroni, vice president of the San Martino and Solferino Society. The latter has actively contributed to the organization of the meeting.
Italian Version